What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are cosmetically unattractive but usually painless and rarely associated with medical conditions requiring treatment. The location of skin tags may mean that they are caught in clothing or seat belts or rubbed by clothes or underwear.

Medically there are only a handful of methods for removing skin tags. The typical methods of removing skin tags by a dermatologist include freezing or cryotherapy, use of a laser to burn off the skin tag or using a scalpel to cut the skin tag off .

Another method to remove skin tags is to cut off the blood supply to the skin tag, also called ligation .

While there is no medical necessity for removing skin tags, people can often cause injury to the skin tag as they are often cut during shaving or caught and ripped with jewelry. In obese individuals and in Type 2 diabetes the outbreak of skin tags may be over a large section of the body creating an unsightly skin condition. Facial and eyelid skin tags can disrupt the quality of life for the individual.

Confusing Skin Tags with Other Conditions

The skin tag should be approximately the same color as the flesh, or slightly shaded but not a brown or red color. The skin tag should not be changing in shape or size; it should not be bleeding or oozing discharge. The skin tag is hanging from the body not a bump or raised area.

If you have any question as to whether the skin condition is a skin tag, a wart, mole or precancerous mole please seek medical attention. While skin tags are not harmful, moles and warts can be indicative of other medical conditions and should not be ignored.

Natural Treatments for Skin Tags

It is believed that heavy metals found in some antiperspirants such as aluminum or copper can cause skin tags, so check labels for deodorants and antiperspirants to avoid any skin contact with metallic ingredients. Look for organic or all natural antiperspirants instead.

Some natural healers and naturopathists believe that skin tags near the eyes can be caused by overuse of eye cosmetics. Again, choose organic products or hypoallergenic products for sensitive eyes. Change out cosmetics frequently and do not share cosmetics, especially eye cosmetics with anyone else.

There is research to suggest that illegal steroid use will cause an outbreak of skin tags. Illegal steroids are dangerous and should never be started; if you have used steroids without medical supervision seek immediate medical attention.

Home Remedies for Skin Tags

Ligation is the cutting off of the blood supply; an alternative natural skin tag removal idea would suggest tying off the skin tag with a string to have the same effect. The skin tag should turn black and then drop off.

Apple cider vinegar is also thought to kill off skin tags. Dab a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar on the skin tag; they should turn dark in a day or so and fall off. The process may need to be repeated until the skin tag turns dark. Do not use this method near the eyes or on anal skin tags.

Clear nail polish is thought to be another effective home remedy for skin tags. Coat the entire tag with clear nail polish twice a day until it shrinks away. Do not use near eyes, on genital or anal skin tags.